Syllabus/
Expectations

Chorus Syllabus

Instructor: Mrs. Moyer, Choral Director
Place: Chorus Room FA102
Phone: 864-355-0180
Email: amoyer@greenvilleschools.us
Website: www.whhschorus.com 

South Carolina Standards for Choral Music

Creating – I can use the elements of music to communicate new ideas.
Performing – I can perform a variety of music with fluency and expression.
Responding – I can respond to musical ideas as a performer and listener.
Connecting – I can connect musical ideas and works to personal experience, careers, culture, history, and other disciplines. 

Course Description

This course emphasizes the development of basic vocal techniques and skills including:  good posture, tone quality, breath support, diction, and attack and release.  Attention is given to the understanding and practice of basic elements of music including music reading skills using solfege.  Students may have the opportunity to sing in foreign languages while studying a variety of styles of choral music.    

Course Objectives

1.   Be able to read and write simple examples of rhythmic and tonal notation.
2.   Be able to use and define musical performance terms and symbols in a choral setting.
3.   Demonstrate proper use and improvement of the following while singing:  intonations, tone quality, diction, vowel formation, breath support and range development.
4.   Gain an appreciation of the history of music by studying from various periods of history by the various composers of the music studied.
5.   Be able to use solfege to read and independently sing a vocal part in the choral setting.
6.   Be able to critically evaluate musical performances in musical terms.

Grading Policy                                   

40%     Active Class Participation: Daily Participation Grades, Quizzes (singing and written)
60%     Standards Based Assessments: Tests (singing/written)

Late work will be accepted up to two weeks after the due date for partial credit.  Students experiencing extenuating circumstances should communicate that to Mrs. Moyer and complete work at the earliest possible time.   

Classroom rules

1. Always be respectful (toward teachers, peers, property, and self).

2. Follow all school rules to promote classroom learning.

3. Come to class prepared with all required materials.

4. Be ready to learn. 

5. No gum, food, or drink – except bottled water.

Consequences

1. Warning

2. Loss of participation points

3. Talk with teacher after class

4. Call parent

5. Office involvement 

Attendance and Tardies

Punctuality and attendance is vital for success in the choral classroom.  It is mandatory that students attend all after-school rehearsals and performances.  If there is a conflict, please contact me well in advance or as soon as the conflict arises. 

Illness

If a student is not sick enough to go home, he/she is expected to be present and engaged in the rehearsal.  Even if the student is unable to sing due to a cold or sore throat, he/she can lip sing and use solfege along with the rest of the class.  Always check in with me at the beginning of class so that I can be sensitive to your situation.

Classroom Procedures

·       When you enter the classroom, deposit your personal items such as bookbag, purse, etc. on the wall.  Collect your choral folder, pencil, and water bottle and go straight to your assigned seat.

·       When I am working with one section of the choir, follow along and listen for relevant information.  

·       If there is a fire drill, we will follow school policy posted by the classroom door. 

·       If you have ANY problems or concerns, please do not hesitate to talk to me.  I want this to be a great semester for you and will do anything in my power to help you be successful!

Chorus 1 & 2 Performance Attire:

Students will wear the provided robe (think graduation style robes).  Black clothing should be worn underneath.  The robe will cover most of the shirt, so solid black is not required.  Wear dark shoes.

Intermediate/Advanced Honor Choir Performance Attire:

Ladies wear the chosen formal dress with black dress shoes.  Gentlemen wear the chosen tux pants, tux shirt, vest, bow tie, black socks, and dress shoes.  Students are responsible for purchasing their own attire, but Mrs. Moyer can assist if needed.  A limited number of used performance attire may be available for purchase on a first come basis.  See the "Attire" page for more details.

Everyone

Hair should be worn away from the face and all jewelry should be removed with the exception of small earrings or rings.  This adds to the unity of the choir and shows respect for your fellow performers.

*** I expect every member of the choir to act in a professional manner for the entire performance — before, during, and after.  This includes when students are in the audience, backstage, and on stage.  We are representing Wade Hampton High School as well as Greenville County School District and I will not tolerate ANY misbehavior or joking around.  Inappropriate behavior during a performance will result in a failing grade.

Please arrange for transportation to and from after school events ahead of time.  I would be happy to try to help you work out conflicts with coaches, etc., but you must ask well in advance.